The joint inflammation | The symptoms of scarlet fever

The joint inflammation

Inflammation of the joints in scarlet fever usually does not occur during the actual disease, but a few weeks later. The body has formed defense cells against the toxin of the bacteria and remembers their structure. However, some of the body’s own structures are very similar to the poison and can therefore be attacked by the immune system.

This is called rheumatic fever. Besides the joints, the heart or brain can also be affected. These late effects can be prevented by timely antibiotic therapies.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia can be a complication of a streptococcal infection. While healthy children and adults rarely develop pneumonia, immunocompromised individuals can quickly acquire pneumonia. Pneumonia is treated with antibiotics just like uncomplicated scarlet fever.

However, some courses of the disease may require a hospital stay. Since it is mainly people who are already ill who are affected, very severe courses of the disease can occur.